Adoption & Special Guardianship Lawyers
If you want to give a child a loving home, and you need legal authority then we can help. We are family law specialists and we can guide you through the legal processes associated with Adoption or Special Guardianship.
Adoption
Adoption is the legal process by which individuals become a child’s parents, assuming full legal and parental responsibility for the child, despite not being their natural parents. We can guide you through the adoption process and make the necessary applications to court on your behalf.
Special Guardianship
If a child is being looked after by someone other than parents, for example grandparents, it might be appropriate to appoint a Special Guardian. These people have the power to override the decisions made by others with parental responsibility.
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When it comes to legal processes, we know how daunting things can be, that's why we offer a FREE Initial consultation, so you can talk to an expert Family Lawyer and take the right steps from the start.
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What is an Adoption Order?
An adoption order breaks all legal ties between a child and their birth parents. The biological mother and father are no longer the child's legal parents.
Anyone who had parental responsibility no longer has it after the adoption order is made. The child legally becomes the adopters' child, as if the adopters were their biological parents. The effect of an adoption order is meant to be lifelong and final both legally and psychologically for the child.
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What is a Special Guardianship Order?
A special guardianship order appoints a person or persons as a child's special guardian.
It gives a special kind of parental responsibility and allows this person to override any other person with parental responsibility from decisions about the child’s welfare, for example decisions about schooling.
How long does Special Guardianship Order last?
A special guardianship order lasts until a child reaches the age of 18 unless discharged by the court.
Are there any restrictions on the Special Guardian?
A special guardian cannot do the following unless they have the permission of every person with parental responsibility or an order of the court:
- Change the child's surname.
- Remove the child from the jurisdiction for a period of three months or more.
What about those with Parental Responsibilities?
Despite the overriding power that Special Guardians have, parents and others with parental responsibility should be consulted on issues such as internal UK relocation and major medical procedures.
What happens if people with Parental Responsibilities don't agree?
Parents or those with parental responsibility can bring an application for a specific issue order to the court to challenge a special guardian’s decision.